---
title: "Segments, restricted areas, and shading objects"
slug: "drawing-segments-restricted-areas-and-shading-objects"
description: "Learn to create segments, restricted areas, and shading objects in the interactive 3D map for effective PV table placement and management."
updated: 2026-10-05T07:46:46Z
published: 2026-10-05T07:46:46Z
canonical: "kb.solargis.com/drawing-segments-restricted-areas-and-shading-objects"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://kb.solargis.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Segments, restricted areas, and shading objects

**In this document**

You'll get an overview of the elements you can draw on the Energy system designer's interactive 3D map: segments (ground and C&I rooftop), restricted areas and restricted lines, and shading polygon and shading line objects. Each element is introduced briefly, with a link to its detailed guide.

The interactive 3D map is where you define the physical layout of your power plant. Using the drawing tools in the left toolbar, you can add three groups of elements to the design:

- **Segments**: areas where PV arrays can be installed, either on the ground or on a rooftop. They are listed in the **Segments** section of the main menu.
- **Restricted areas and restricted lines**: zones and routes that the array must avoid. They are listed in the **Constraints** section of the main menu.
- **Shading polygon and shading line objects**: surrounding obstacles that cast shadows on the installation. They are listed in the **Constraints** section of the main menu.

You can upload all these elements into the design by [importing a KML file](/v1/docs/imports-and-kml-files) instead of drawing them manually.

> **Tip**: Before you start drawing, get familiar with the map controls and the general drawing mechanics in the [interactive 3D map guide](/v1/docs/using-3d-map-and-drawing-tools#the-drawing-tools).

## Segments

A **segment** is a polygonal area you draw on the map to define where a PV array can be placed. It delimits the buildable ground or rooftop surface and carries its own mounting, terrain, albedo, and horizon settings for the array inside it.

Energy system designer supports two segment types: **ground segments** and **rooftop segments** (created as Commercial & industrial (C&I) rooftop objects). Once a segment is in place, you can [add an array](/v1/docs/adding-arrays-to-the-project) to it.

Learn how to draw both segment types, configure segment properties, and edit segment vertices in [Adding segments](/v1/docs/adding-segments).

## Restricted areas and lines

**Restricted areas** and **restricted lines** mark places where PV tables must not be installed. Use a restricted area for zones unsuitable for installation, such as swamps, rock formations, or groups of trees, and a restricted line for maintenance routes or any other linear obstacle to be avoided.

Both elements support an **exclusion zone** (a no-build buffer around the object) and **allowed objects**, which lets you permit inverter units inside their boundaries, for example to group them along a maintenance path.

Learn how to draw, configure, move, and duplicate both elements in [Adding restricted areas and lines](/v1/docs/adding-restricted-areas).

## Shading objects

**Shading polygon objects** and **shading line objects** represent the surrounding environment that casts shadows on the installation. Use a shading polygon for buildings, walls, or other structures, and a shading line for forest borders, fences, or building walls close to the array.

Adding these objects to the design lets you simulate real-world shading and assess how nearby elements affect system performance and energy yield. Both element types have a configurable **height** and **surface albedo**.

Learn how to draw both object types and configure their properties in [Adding shading objects](/v1/docs/adding-shading-objects).